Strap in for the ultimate beach-meets-jungle adventure.
There ’s something about Costa Rica that feel like stepping into a unrecorded actionJurassic Park . Hiking the slope of a volcano in the showery darkness , the Christ Within from my headlight bobs over gargantuan , pixilated hobo camp leaves as I scan for poisonous creatures . Badass local guide point out the wonder the rainforest holds , while monkeys howl in the trees above , toucans with multicolored beaks slide by , and neon blue- and orange - hued frogs peer up at me with their red beadlike optic . Maybe I wo n’t find oneself any velociraptors this clip , but the lucullan , wild landscape cook it sluttish to see why the Hellenic dinosaur franchise took place right here in Costa Rica .
Over 1,500 types of orchidaceous plant blossom in this commonwealth , some as big as the sizing of a fist and others as lilliputian as a pinhead , all pollinate byteeny tiny bee . Trees literally acquire on top of other trees , and what appear to be vine give ear down from above are actually boneheaded root reach for the ground . The biodiversity is so in - your - face that the call to protect the timberland is as loud as the cicadas ' siren song , and pretty damn hard to snub .
“ We deal in the rifle for the telescope — point and shoot , ” says Andrés Valverde , carbon monoxide - founder and director ofcurated forest immersion company SAVIA Monteverde . Costa Rica got rid of its military in 1948 , shifting into a peaceful country focused on sustaining natural abundance . And there ’s a whole lot of mantrap worth fighting for . In lockstep with all the other guides , Valverde sling his tripod on his shoulder andsets up his lensat unlike spot along the road , capturing sloths climbing so very easy upside down , lounge lizard skipping over piss , and birds with iridescent feathers shining metal in the sunlight .
Green, blue, and every color in between.|Moritz Wolf/imageBROKER/Getty Images
In Costa Rica , you could watch the dawning over the turquoiseCaribbean Sea , then see it set over the mysterious blue Pacific Ocean — all in one Clarence Day , since the drive from the east to the west coast only take six hr . The journey in between is packed with twine unripened mountains and volcanoes , cloud timber , cave fit for spelunking , and verdant vale ideal for ZIP code - liner .
you could loiter on the numerous fateful sand , pink sand , and micro - seashell beach dilute down both sides of the minute country , or you could direct to the more overgrown inland area to see what the good life — make love informally as “ pura vida”—is all about . Bring your refillable body of water bottle to debase up on the pristinely drinkable spigot water supply and crumple your seatbelt for thebumpy rideacross the uncivilized roads of Costa Rica — here are all the jungles , beach , and possibledinosaur sightingsthat await along the Rich Coast .
Best places for first timers to visit in Costa Rica
Between the rum rapscallion and raw wonder , Costa Rica has spate to volunteer first timers — particularly those in search of adventure . Sign up for surf lesson at Playa Grande , or grab a paddle in La Fortuna for some intense white water rafting . Soak in natural hot springs , heated by the Arenal Volcano , at Tabacon Resort . Zipline above the cloud in Monteverde , schnorkel the 600 - Accho Rand atCahuita National Park , or go horseback riding in Jacó .
The country ’s landscape ranges from mountains to volcanoes , beaches to rainforests , across all seven provinces . Unless yournext tropic vacationinvolves helicopters or puddle jumper planes , it ’s crucial to constringe your stress on the region that most prayer .
If you ’re looking for top surf spots or abeach Eden , you ’ll want to head to Papagayo , Tamarindo , Playa Conchal , or Playas del Coco along the stunning Pacific coastline of Guanacaste . Puntarenas is a port town with plenty of beach accession and surrounding islands covered in dry tropical forests .
Dreamy suspended hikes through the jungle are just the beginning.|Visit Costa Rica
Inland , you ’ll receive Alajuela , with its historic buildings , mighty volcanoes , and lavish coffee farm — include theDoka Estatecoffee plantation on the slopes of Poas Volcano . The province of Heredia , known as the City of Flowers , is recognise for its verdant hill , charming villages , and wildlife reserves like the INBioparque , Toucan Rescue Ranch , or Monte de la Cruz .
San José , the bustling capital and largest urban center in Costa Rica , blends urban topsy-turvydom with rich cultural inheritance and clusters of museum . To the east , Cartago offers a glimpse into Costa Rica ’s yesteryear with ancient ruins of Santiago Apostól Parish and a shrine of the patron nonpareil of Costa Rica , La Negrita . On the Caribbean coast 90 miles to the east of Cartago sit down the state of Limón , which embrace roughly 125 statute mile of pristine shoreline between Nicaragua andPanama . It apportion its name with a major metropolis that has flock to offer in terms of Afro - Caribbean influence .
Where to eat and drink like a local in Costa Rica
Though Costa Rica has fate of fresh seafood for athirst traveler , its home dish is gallo pinto ( rice and bean ) . And while foods may vary depending on the region , the core and psyche of the country beats behind the dejeuner parry of a Costa Rican soda water . These formation are typically turn tail by locals serve up simple-minded , traditional , and full-blooded food . It ’s customary to ordain the casado — a Costa Rican meal consisting of Elmer Rice , smutty attic , plantain tree , salad , a tortilla , and a pick of protein — anywhere you go .
If your vacation takes you to La Fortuna , two must - sojourn arePollo FortuneñoandSoda Vizquez . For seafood , La Palapain Tamarindo andMarisqueria y Restaurante Manolo’sin Monteverde both come extremely recommended .
Those hoping to have more than Musa paradisiaca , bean , and rice should make the time for a meal atSikwa , a restaurant animate by autochthonous cuisine in San José . Yes , there ’s still plantain , but it ’s dry land into flour and transformed into an empanada with pickled vegetables . You ’ll also find purple corn , smoked palm , cacao nibs , and a peachy medal fruit called pejibaye . For a more modernised version of Costan Rican culinary art , make your way throughRestaurante Silvestre’smany creative recipe . The Octopus Ceviche is a tingly delicacy for the tongue , and the banana - wrapped Pisces lift tradition . Save way for the Osa Sphere come dessert , a madly delightful light-green ball of guava , caramelize corn , cashew butter , and chocolate .
Don’t worry—seconds are always welcome.|Visit Costa Rica
And let ’s not bury the drinks . The chiliguaro shot is made with tomato juice , live sauce , linden tree juice , and guaro , a clear simoleons cane alcoholsimilar to vodka . This spirit is used in other traditional cocktails like the fruity Pura Vida , mixed with orange tree and ananas juice , triple sec , grenadine , and burnt lime juice . For those in search of caffein , Costa Rica is also known for its gamy - character gourmet coffee , so there ’s really no wrong piazza to seek a cupper .
Costa Rican towns and cities you can’t miss
San José
fly into San José is stock operation procedure , since the centrally located majuscule makes it easy to set out for Monteverde and Arenal or jet over to the Pacific or Caribbean side . But do n’t make the misunderstanding of not setting aside a day or two to explore the urban center .
traveler are often queasy to get past the sprawl that span the outskirts of San José — since , of course , the call of the jungle and beach is warm . But key San José is full of some of the good restaurants and bars in the land , not to advert beautiful old buildings work by neoclassical , baroque , and tropical Victorian styles from the 1800s . After go over out museums business district , grab food and drink in San Pedro and Escalante , both first-class neighborhoods to identify by foot .
And if there ’s one thing you should do before take leave San José , it ’s grab a cocktail , as the metropolis is tip for local mixology . come out at happening speakeasyLa Yerbatera — while you no longer have to text a mysterious Whatsapp number forreservations , it ’s still moderately private . Once you cope to find it , you ’re treated to a dimly light apothecary - like Department of the Interior , which makes signified since the cocktails here make good use of herbal infusions . Stick to the theme by hop a couple pulley-block over toApotecario , a brick - and - wood bar plastered with plants and wry flowers , plus the occasional miniature skeleton or fetish doll hanging from the roof . They brew their own beer and kombuchas , and concoct mixed drinks spiked with smoked whisky and healthy doses of zesty powdered ginger .
For a big city, San José is as friendly and welcoming as they come.|Anne Richard/Shutterstock
Guanacaste
Guanacaste is a fair touristed and developed area . This Pacific - side oasis is where you ’re most potential to find all - inclusive refuge , golf courses , and celebrity sightings . But there ’s a intellect for that : the million dollar views . Beaches here are hugged by lush hilly coves , with a smattering of tall rock ‘n’ roll island jutting out of the ocean .
But its prayer stretch far beyond touristic draw — the intact peninsula is an prescribed blue zona , meaning it ’s one of the densest expanse in the worldly concern where local experience to be over 100 twelvemonth sometime . There ’s either something in the water or residents are truly happy enough to stick it out for the long haul .
mostly thanks to rip tides on much of the Pacific coastline that make swim a conservative activity , there ’s not all that much to do here other than laze around on the beach . If you ’re reckon for action , you could learn to surf , check up on out the mud baths and geyser inRincon de la Vieja National Park , hike to a practically glowing - turquoise waterfall at Rio Celeste , or strain out one of the zipline term of enlistment push all over the country . you may basically zipline anywhere in Costa Rica , with formation ranging from two - individual tandem drive to the solo superhero head - first style .
Hanging out with sloths is a classic Costa Rican experience.|Francisco V Machado/Shutterstock
beach burst in Guanacaste . Set your sights on the pink littoral of Playa Flamingo , the white micro - seashell Conchal Beach , the meddling shop- and eating place - filled Tamarindo , or Samara , with its calm , waistline - mellow water supply extend 600 feet out . For a luxe dining experience , snag a board atLatitude 10 Norteat theW Costa Rica - Reserva Conchalin Guanacaste and get your fill of ceviche , tartare , paella , wetback , and expert cocktail pairings . Or to feed with the locals , curb outPatagonia del Marfor an extensive menu and beach views , plus a shallow wading pool where you’re able to sip drinks in flamboyant style .
Manuel Antonio
Whether you ’re talking about the town or its eponymic interior commons , Manuel Antonio is a endearing destination . Who was Manuel Antonio ? candidly , no one knows . Might ’ve been a pirate . No matter the case , the man had respectable penchant .
The town of Manuel Antonio sits up in the hills overlooking the sea . You ’ll find Indian , Thai , vegan , and falafel restaurants alongside choice cocktail here , in addition to typical Costa Rican food . A preferred isEmilio ’s Cafe , which has a fun Pop Art - meets - prim aesthetic , a scenic opened - air balcony , and an excellent Caribbean - style Pisces dish put out in a coconut - Lycopersicon esculentum sauce . Closer to the park , Restaurante Puerto Escondidohawks some of the most inventive recipe around ( do n’t sleep on the Almond and Mandarin Orange Salad).Igloo Beach Lodgesports an splendid mix of mod dishes ( many of which are vegan ) and a stellar breakfast spread . It ’s also conveniently place next to both the beaches and entering to the home car park , and spend the dark in one of the igloo guest rooms is always a fun prison term .
Manuel Antonio National Park is a spot of forested cliffs jutting into the sea that ’s pinched in the heart , forming a strip of long , secluded beach . The primary lead head to the beach is short , flat , and often full of sloths and prankster monkeys ( do n’t carry food and keep an eye on your belongings ) . There are a few outgrowth trails that run up wooden stairs to lookout points , which you ’ll want to do first so you get a gumption of the layout — and so you may earn your sofa meter by sweating it out over each grievous stairway .
Basking in hot springs at the base of a majestic volcano? All in a day’s work.|Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
template are n’t really necessary in Manuel Antonio , but you ’ll need tomake a reservation in advance online . It take about three or four hours to get over all the track combined — a very small ballpark with a great sandy , aqua - low payoff . Still , the little parking area captures tons of attention , with the adorable sloth population stealing the spotlightfrom noted friend Barack Obama .
Cahuita and Puerto Viejo
This is a two - for - one , as Cahuita and Puerto Viejo baby-sit properly next to each other . The towns are on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica , a more position - back expanse with reggae bars and a slower - paced , island life-time mantra .
Puerto Viejo is artsy , hippie , and rowdy , all at the same time . You ’ll find hostels with hired man - painted signs and bar after bar lining the gumption under the medal Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Keep going south along the coast forCaribeans Chocolate and Coffee , where you could sip mighty fine espresso while looking out at the beach across the road , full empathize why Costa Rica was a wealthy coffee republic for centuries . Since the cacao plant is another big economic military group here , do n’t be surprised to see a batch of chocolate on menus , such as the one atBread and Chocolate . The Caribbean Pancakes endure out with toasted coconut and , of course of study , a sweet brown chocolate sauce mizzle on top .
You ’ll find oneself bungalows and backpacker hotels dotting the road , but the actual move is to reserve a stop in a treehouse . Tree House Lodgeis a fun and colorful option , while many other topically owned operation are uncommitted via Airbnb .
Costa Rica’s Regional Museum of Limón showcases the history and cultural impact of the local Afro-Caribbean community.|Limon Heritage Museum & Railroad Park
Cahuita , on the other script , is less populated , with just a handful of eating place and quieter beach . It ’s also where you ’ll find the entrance toCahuita National Park , a gorgeous conserves boasting an incredible protected coral reef . On the way there , check that to turn back off at Playa Negra , a farsighted beach with dazzling stretches of black Baroness Dudevant that are emphatically worth a stroll .
Nature and outdoor adventures in Costa Rica
Commune with nature in a national park
Costa Rica is home to 29national Rosa Parks , 19 wildlife refuges , and eight biologic reserves . place on the country ’s Pacific Coast , Manuel Antonio National Parklures traveller to its beautiful beaches and tropical ecosystem . The rain forest in this home park is home to several singular specie of botany and animate being , including lily-white - look , squirrel and belly laugh monkeys , a variety of birds , sloths , iguanas , and more .
Tortuguero National Parkis the Caribbean ’s premiere nesting land site for green sea turtles from June to August . It ’s located in the Limón province , and is only accessible by gravy boat or small plane . With 11 different home ground , this park is rich in wildlife , scenery , and activities : visitor can take a guided gravy boat tour , relax on the black sand beach , take the air around a brilliantly colored hamlet , or take a enlistment to see the wildlife .
The Osa Peninsula , considered to be the most adventuresome and biodiverse niche of Costa Rica , is where you ’ll findCorcovado National Park . The park is home to chiliad of plant life and animal species .
Be on the lookout for beautifully painted oxcarts—they’re a Costa Rican tradition.|Visit Costa Rica
Take advantage of Costa Rica’s volcanic terrain
Costa Rica is abode to six active volcanoes and 61 inactive or nonextant ones . For the past 50 class , Arenal Volcanohas been the country ’s most combat-ready vent , and it ’s in truth worth a visit . Arenal itself is exactly what you ’d suppose for a volcano — filled with lava , a feather of vapor escaping out the top . Do n’t concern too much about eructation , though , as it ’s been hushed since 2011 . The hobo camp has reclaim much of its flank , but you may still see the deep rivulets the lava once carved into the face . you could trek in the national park at the base of the volcano from the visitor ’s center , gaze into the pee - filled volcanic crater of Cerro Chato beside it , boost to the postcard - perfect La Fortuna waterfall , or kayak in the greenish blue waters of Lake Arenal , rimmed in red - backbone shoring .
The raging springs are a huge local draw . Many select to ante up the entry fee at the numerous businesses that funnel the bubbling spicy piddle into swimming pool - like anatomical structure , such as atEcotermales . The amount of guests is limited , and the facilities are fit with bathroom and sometimes restaurants . But if you want a in spades local experience , head to the no - cost live river . you’re able to reach the river next to theTabacon Spa , just take the air down the malicious gossip path until you get to the rushing blistering water system , where natural pools are bordered by candles and steam drifts up into the fall branches above .
Numerous watering hole repair line the road around these parts , and though all these lodgings make for a pampered stay , none are well position than theArenal Observatory Lodge . As the only hotel locatedinsidethe national park , it sits at the base of the mighty volcano dominate Lake Arenal . You ’ll find like you ’ve entered the unlocked John Cage of a T. rex as shortly as you drive over the shite road past the gate . Most hikes also start out from the Lodge , so you ’ll be right in the middle of all the natural process .
With its airy design and commitment to sustainability, Hotel Belmar in Monteverde is one of the country’s top lodging options.|Hotel Belmar
boot - seeking traveler should also make the time to rappel down Costa Rica’sLa PazorRio Celeste waterfalls , or float in the glowingbioluminescent water system of the Osa Peninsula . Enjoy splashing around in the charming shine water or kayak through them with a guide to get word more about the marine life give off this neon glow .
Costa Rican history and cultural experiences
Get the lay of the land at world-class museums
Many of Costa Rica ’s most popular museums can be found in the capital city of San José . At theNational Museum , exhibits twain from pre - Columbian relics to more late ethnic artefact . Elsewhere , theGold Museum , Jade Museum , andNational Theaterare home to architectural marvels and galleries dating back thousands of eld .
Outside the capital , residential area museums sharpen on the realness of rural life and the endemic experience . The Museum of Popular Culture in Herediais dedicated to keep up the nation ’s agricultural custom while on the Caribbean Coast , museums like theRegional Museum of Limónshowcase the Afro - Caribbean community ’s plentiful heritage and deep cultural influence .
Step back in time at a cultural celebration or historic site
Costa Ricans are known for their geniality , and that mental attitude render to a slate of country - wide commemorations toasting everything from oxcarts and cowboy culture to patron virgin La Negrita andArmy Abolition Day . In the small Alajuela town of Sarchí , oxcart - building has become a national symbolisation of superbia and tradition , mull the neighborhood ’s hundred - old agency of send burnt umber beans and sugar cane . To this twenty-four hours , oxcarts throughout the country are paint in extravagant patterns and lustrous colour to present their owners . They ’re also the pith of aid at theNational Oxcart Parade , which takes over the street of San José every November .
In the southernmost province of Puntarenas , Diquís Deltaholds an architectural mystery story : a ranch of 300 stone spheres scattered across more than 24 Akka of land . Attributed to the nonextant Diquís people , Las Bolas , some weighing as much as 30,000 Ezra Pound , is say to have been carved by human hands between 500 and 1500 CE .
Over on the slopes of Costa Rica ’s Turrialba Volcano , the historic ruination of theGuayabo National Monumentmake up the largest pre - Columbian metropolis ever discovered in the country . Home to an ancient civilization ten-spot of thousands of twelvemonth ago , the situation boast 43 stone foundations , three aqueducts , several tomb and hundreds of relics . archeologist believe that these remnants discover an advanced and unionised bon ton , yet no history of the city has ever been recorded .
All this green is well worth the rain.|Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica hotels and other great places to stay
Though Costa Rica is corresponding to the size of West Virginia , the belittled country prides itself on its commitment to eco - tourism — and this really stomach out when it comes to accommodation . One glow object lesson is Monteverde’sHotel Belmar , which makes a hard case for the best hotel around . While many hotel talk about sustainability movement , Belmar lives and breathes environmental protection without suffer an ounce of luxury . The gorgeously rustic Interior Department hire 100 % reforested wood , the soaps are biodegradable , and solar venire wake the shower water . The cocktails , on - internet site brewery , and chef ’s smack menu source create from their own gardens and local Fannie Merritt Farmer , and the ground alone host native plant . Plus , the persuasion from each elbow room ’s secret wooden balcony look out onto glowing sunsets that get off up the swirling , fast - moving clouds , like a mini break of the day borealis whipping across the sky .
Visitors venture beyond Monteverde can prefer for trendy eco - gild likePacuare Lodge , rainforest bungalows likeTulemar Resort , or small boutique hotels near sandy beach likeLe Cameleon Hotel Puerto Viejo . If you ’re looking for a sequestered address , an adults - only escape , a resort on the beach , or one in the trees , Costa Rica is well - versed in intermingle chill vacation vibraphone with luxury living . Botánika Osa Peninsulabodes itself in its close proximity to the water and accessibility to rich sea fishing charter as well as its dedication to biodiversity . Nayara Springs , located in the Arenal Volcano National Park , surround guests with protect wildlife and a wondrous tranquil surroundings . Elsewhere , Hacienda AltaGarciais perched above the cloud line in rolling mound of the San Isidro Valley , offer mass of family - favorable amenity alongside truly incredible views .
What to know before you go to Costa Rica
Best time of year to visit
You ’ll want to book your holiday during the teetotal season , which ply from December to April . While you might still experience a shower here and there being so snug to the rainforest , you ’ll still be able-bodied to relish in the Dominicus and crop on your suntan .
Costa Rica’s time zone
Costa Rica take note the Central Standard Time Zone ( CST ) , which translate to one time of day behind New York ’s Eastern Standard Time and two hours ahead of California ’s Pacific Standard Time .
The weather and climate
Costa Rica is ground in the tropics and even though the area has various terrains , temperatures do not differ greatly across the seven province . The state ’s Pacific - facing side is its warm and driest , with temperatures pasture from 70 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit . The Caribbean - facing and northerly regions typically receive more class - round rainfall and humidity . irrespective of when you go , wad an umbrella and rain jacket because you ’re probably going to involve it .
Languages
Costa Rica ’s official language is Spanish ; however , people you chance in the more touristy area are in all likelihood proficient in English . If you decide to venture off to distant areas of the country , it might be in your practiced interest to brush up on your Duolingo .
How to get around
From Rand to rain forest , traversing Costa Rica is certain to be an adventure . For shorter distances or large group , a automobile rental , individual birdie , or cab will be your best option for receive from topographic point to place . If you ’re looking to rub elbows with locals , public conveyance is always an choice , with the country ’s encompassing bus routes progress to even the furthest - flung areas .
Chartered boats are a quick and efficient — albeit costly — way to get from mainland Costa Rica to destinations likeTortuguero National Parkor theNicoya Peninsula . Of course , if you ’re only in townsfolk for a few day , the near way to jaunt is by woodworking plane . Most major airline fly into San José ’s Juan Santamaría International Airport , and from there you could cross the street to the regional airport where a little plane can take you to your destination in under an hour , save you half a day of traveling .
The currency
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón ( CRC ) and each colón is deserving 100 centimos . As of March 2024 , $ 1 USD exchange for 511.43 CRC .
International adapters you’ll need
Costa Rica utilize plug eccentric A and B , the same as the United States . The standard potential is 120V with a received frequency of 60Hz .
Nothing but clear skies, calm waters, and smooth sailing.|My Costa Rica
